Mushroom Index
Reishi
As the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ in ancient lore, and a focus of cutting-edge clinical studies today, Reishi elegantly straddles the worlds of myth and medicine.
reishi / Ganoderma lucidum
Overview
Reishi is a glossy polypore mushroom that grows as a reddish-brown conk on hardwood trees. It has a fan-shaped cap and the texture of lacquered mahogany. An iconic species long revered in Asia for its numerous health-giving benefits, Reishi is as familiar to the East as the apple is to the West.
Modern research has now revealed much of Reishi’s diverse pharmacology. It is rich in triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and other fungal compounds that provide immuno-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Moreover, ongoing research is unveiling its adaptogenic potential for stress reduction and sleep improvement, furthering its status as a powerhouse of medicinal mycology.
Other names:
- Lingzhi - “Spiritual Mushroom” in China
- Yeongji - "Mushroom of Immortality" in Korea
- Mannentake - “10,000-year Mushroom” in Japan
Benefits
Promotes stress relief and improved sleep
Supports immune function
May exhibit anticancer properties
Supports cardiovascular health
Reishi / Ganoderma lucidum
History of Use
Often depicted in ancient art and folklore, and known colloquially as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, Reishi was first recorded as a tonic herb in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing - the foundational text of Chinese materia medica written circa 100 BCE.
Ancient Taoists called Reishi the “Elixir of Life” and claimed it calmed the spirit, strengthened Qi energy, and promoted longevity. Chinese royalty treasured Reishi so much they restricted its use to the upper classes.
reishi / ganoderma lucidum
Optimal Cultivation Process
Reishi's fruiting body contains higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, such as triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, and polysaccharides, compared to the mycelium. Therefore, cultivating the fruiting body is optimal for producing high-quality extracts.
Growing conditions and substrate: Reishi mushrooms grow best on hardwood. They require temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and high humidity (90-95%). Adequate air exchange is crucial for healthy growth and preventing contamination.
Measures to avoid unwanted or poor-quality produce: Ensuring proper sterilization of the substrate and maintaining a clean growing environment helps prevent contamination. Monitoring and maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity, and air exchange are essential for optimal growth and high-quality produce.
reishi / ganoderma lucidum
Optimal Extraction Process
For Reishi, a dual extraction method is optimal for capturing the broad spectrum of bio-active compounds. Reishi's key active compounds, triterpenoids and ganoderic acids, are alcohol-soluble, while its polysaccharides and beta-glucans are water-soluble.
Using a dual extraction process that combines hot water and alcohol extraction ensures that both types of compounds are effectively extracted. This method maximizes the therapeutic potential of Reishi by capturing its full range of bio-active compounds.
reishi / ganoderma lucidum
Key Active Compounds
Key Active Compounds
Ganoderic Acids
Modern research shows that Reishi contains over 200 biologically active triterpenoids, with ganoderic acids being especially important.
These ganoderic acids increase levels of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase in the body, as well as glutathione, which is produced by the liver and is involved in many bodily processes, such as tissue building and repair.
Through these mechanisms, the ganoderic acids in Reishi help protect the liver, heart, and brain from oxidative damage.
Key Active Compounds
Triterpenoids
Reishi's triterpenoids have also been found to stimulate GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms overactive brain activity, promotes relaxation and supports more restful sleep patterns.
KEY ACRIVE COMPOUNDS
Beta Glucans
The polysaccharides found in Reishi, notably beta-glucans, help modulate immune responses - activating cells when needed, or down-regulating them to prevent excessive inflammatory reactions.
Key Active Compounds
Optimal Quantities
A good Reishi Mushroom extract will rarely contain more than 15-25% Beta-glucans and 3-6% Triterpenoids.
reishi / ganoderma lucidum
Selected Clinical Studies
1. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exerts anti-tumor effects on various cancer cell lines (2010)
Conditions: In vitro studies on multiple cancer cell lines
Effect: Reishi extract showed anti-tumor effects, suggesting potential in cancer treatment and prevention
2. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of Ganoderma lucidum(W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd(Aphyllophoromycetideae) Polysaccharides(Ganopoly) in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer(2008)
Conditions: Involved 60 patients with advanced lung cancer, using 5.4 grams of Ganopoly daily
Effect: Improved immune function and quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer
3. Effects of Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi) supplementation on sleep quality and heart rate variability in individuals with sleep disturbances: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial(2020)
Conditions: Involved 50 participants with sleep disturbances, using 1.2 grams of Reishi spore powder daily
